The British 1861 Farthing coin, designed by Leonard Charles Wyon, was minted during the reign of Queen Victoria. The coins copper composition reflected Britain’s industrial expansion, with copper becoming a key material for low-denomination coins. Wyons design, featuring a young Queen Victoria on the obverse, symbolized the stability of the British Empire during a time of economic growth and political consolidation in the mid-19th century.
The 1861 Farthing coin marked an important shift in British coinage. With the economy recovering post-Crimean War, the copper farthing provided a practical solution for everyday transactions. The design, crafted by Wyon, highlighted both continuity and progress in British coinage, reinforcing the monarchy’s role during a time of both industrial revolution and imperial expansion.